Australia's political landscape is dominated by the Labor government's recent budget, which is seen by some as a springboard for triumphs due to negative gearing changes benefiting investors, yet a Newspoll suggests it's the worst in decades amid concerns over a new land levy and its unintended boon for tobacco pirates, with Labor playing down expectations of an immediate poll boost.

• Albanese’s springboard for even greater triumphs — Independent Australia -
• Distortions. Negative gearing changes a gift for investors — Michael West -
• Newspoll dumps on Labor’s budget – worst in decades — Michael West -

• Land levy planned despite anti-‘forever tax’ pledge — Michael West -
• Budget boon for tobacco pirates as police lose battle against cartels — Michael West -
• Labor plays down chances of post-budget poll boost — Michael West -

Australian small and medium-sized enterprises are navigating a disruption era with advice on insurance strategies, while homeowners are reminded of pool services as preventive care for healthier water.

• Pool services as preventive care for safer and healthier water — Independent Australia -
• Insurance strategy for Australian SMEs in a disruption era — Independent Australia -

Police were called to UK Swatch stores following a crowd frenzy over a new combined Audemars Piguet-Swatch timepiece, leading to store closures.

• Police called over crowd frenzy at UK Swatch stores — Michael West -

A photographer recounts a memorable experience capturing Danny Kaye, highlighting the challenges and rewards of photojournalism.

• The photographer who got away the day Danny Kaye was front page news — Independent Australia -